This is sad news: children's book author Judy Blume is battling cancer.

There really isn't much more we can say on this that isn't in her own words, but she announced it all on a blog post — including that she had a mastectomy.

Here's what she said:

"The biopsy report came back a few days later while I was with my (gynaecologist) in her office (a long standing appointment).

"It was good that I wasn't alone and that she, who has been my doctor for seventeen years, could explain it to me. Very early. Very small. Well differentiated. All good news. But it was invasive ductal carcinoma."

If you're going to have to get news like this, we suppose that this is the lesser of the evil options.

She continued:

"Now it's one month post surgery - I'm still in NY and feeling stronger every day, walking a couple of miles in the park each morning and going out to early dinners with George. Have seen movies and a couple of plays, as you know if you follow me on Twitter. I'm able to read again without falling asleep. Which doesn't mean I don't need a nap every day."